The freedom of the open road -- it's what many peolple are experiencing this summer as they hit the road for a summer vacation.

According to a recent USA Today/Gallup poll, more than six out of 10 Americans say it's important to get away from home this year. According to AAA, roughly 85 to 90 percent of Americans will travel on road trips this year.

"This year the flights were pretty expensive, so we decided to give it a shot and drive," says Rich Sharff. The Sharff family stopped at the Tennessee Welcome Center on their way home to Alabama.

They say a road trip has a couple of benefits. "I enjoy being with the family and saving the money," says Sharff.

And others are noticing the benefits as well. The Wildflower Bakery in Abingdon says summer road trips are making them money.

The restaurant is located just off exit 19 on Interstate 81, which is something employees say helps draw in travelers. "Once the summer starts to swing around we get a lot of extra people that are traveling and doing special events," says chef Earl Baker with the Wildflower Bakery.

Here's some good news for those planning to travel on the road: according to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has dropped for 49 out of the last 50 days.

AAA says this is the largest drop since November 2011.